It Wont Be A Modem
When the RIM PlayBook ships early next year, it won’t double as a 3G modem the way current BlackBerry smartphones do. In other words, folks hoping to connect to a 3G network on their laptops through the tablet are out of luck. Of course, there is one good reason for that: the PlayBook doesn’t connect to the Web via 3G. That’s a shame. And it makes the PlayBook look like a hobbled alternative compared to just about any BlackBerry smartphone on the market.
Where’s the 3G?
As mentioned, 3G connectivity won’t be making its way to the RIM PlayBook. The company says that it will be coming at a later point, but it wouldn’t elaborate on when. That alone should be enough for companies to ditch the PlayBook in favor of a BlackBerry smartphone. After all, employees won’t always have access to Wi-Fi. And in those moments when they don’t, they need a 3G connection. The PlayBook won’t offer that.
One Device Is Better Than Two
The RIM PlayBook will not replace a smartphone. But a BlackBerry smartphone will replace the PlayBook. That’s something that cost-conscious companies should keep in mind as they determine which device is for them. The BlackBerry offers productivity and phone functionality. The PlayBook only offers productivity. That won’t help most companies.
A New OS Could Hurt Productivity
RIM’s BlackBerry features a new operating system designed specifically for the tablet. So, company employees that are used to BlackBerry OS will find something much different in the PlayBook. Whether or not the software will be intuitive is anyone’s guess. But as companies know all too well, trying to get employees used to a new operating system just isn’t worth it when a viable, known operating system is already available.
Apps, Apps, Apps
RIM says that it will work hard to bring third-party applications to the PlayBook. That’s certainly a good thing. But the company should remember that Apple’s iPad is light years ahead when it comes to app availability. And in order for it to offer the same value proposition, it will need to do everything it can to appeal to developers. That hasn’t always been RIM’s strong suit. And it could come back to haunt its tablet.
RIM Makes Improvements Over Time
RIM is an interesting company. Like Apple, it delivers products that customers want, but it tends to leave certain features out for future updates. It has done that with the PlayBook. The only issue is, there are already devices available, including its own line of smartphones, that offer all the features users really want. So, why not choose those?
The iPad Seems Like the Better Bet
Apple’s iPad certainly has issues of its own that need to be addressed. But that doesn’t mean that it’s not a better option than the PlayBook. Apple’s iPad offers several outstanding features, along with the ability to run iOS — a proven operating system in the tablet market. For now, the iPad seems like the better option for companies that are intent on getting a tablet.
It’s Out of RIM’s Character
RIM is a smartphone company. And its desire to break into the tablet business is less about its own strategy than its following another company’s lead. Realizing that, maybe it’s time that companies see the PlayBook as a product that falls outside of RIM’s expertise and only stick with products that have made RIM so successful in the first place.
Is It Really For Companies?
When RIM first showed off the PlayBook, the company also played a video that contained the basic highlights from the product. The only issue is, the majority of the video showed consumer functionality, making some wonder if the company’s claims that the PlayBook is for the enterprise are actually false. That’s not a good thing for companies. Enterprise customers want to know that products are designed for them. If they aren’t, there is little value in acquiring them.
The Typing Issue
Companies are extremely concerned about the productivity of their workers. And a key element in that is the ability to type out messages with ease. The only issue is, the PlayBook comes with a virtual keyboard. And as other non-Apple keyboards have shown, trying to type on a touch screen can be a nightmare. That’s a major mark against the PlayBook for most companies, and it’s one that makes the BlackBerry and its physical keyboard all the more appealing.